Top of the Rock

Exceptional view of the Empire State Building, providing wonderful photography opportunities and a great chance to get a photo of your family in front of the famed landmark.

Its location farther to the north allows for a neat view of the Upper West Side and Central Park.

Something about the observation deck, or maybe the building itself, makes it more difficult to look directly down at the street life below. The best views are definitely out and across the city.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck, facing South.

Essential New York City Guide TipWhile we could debate all day over which view is superior, it is almost certain that the Top of the Rock will be less of a hassle.

We went to the Empire State Building around 8 a.m. on a Saturday in October, stood in line for an hour as we were herded from one place to another, and then had to fight for viewing and picture-taking space at the top.

We visited the Top of the Rock on a Friday afternoon in September, just before sunset. We were up on the observation deck within about 15 minutes of entering the building (we did not purchase tickets ahead of time). The recently renovated viewing areas have three levels of observation decks, allowing ample room for moving around.

So Our Advice Boils Down to This:

Both views are fantastic.

If you want to say youve been to the top of the most famous skyscraper in the world (a building that the American Society of Civil Engineers has called one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World), then go to the Empire State Building. If you're more interested in an easier (and likely much quicker) experience, then the Top of the Rock might be your style.